March is National Athletic Training Month

March is designated as National Athletic Training Month and this year the theme is” Your Protection is Our Priority”.

“Mt. Pleasant ISD’s Certified Athletic Trainers Jamie Denman and Justin Hargrove are examples of this,” said MPISD’s Director of Communication Dr. Judi Saxton. “Their hard work and dedication to the athletes of MPISD shows that indeed, the health and protection of our athletes is their priority.”

Athletic Trainers are recognized experts in injury prevention, injury evaluation, rehabilitation, emergency care and concussion management and work with the athletes daily to ensure their healthy and safe return to play in the various sports.

“At MPISD, Justin and Jamie take care of over 700 athletes in a variety of sports and activities,” Saxton explained. “They work with Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys and Girls Golf, Football, Volleyball, Boys and Girls Tennis, Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Boys and Girls Powerlifting, Boys and Girls Track, Boys and Girls Swimming, Cheerleading, Drill team, Band and Color Guard.

Because of their efforts, Mount Pleasant ISD has been awarded the National Athletic Trainers Association 1st Team Safe School Award for their efforts to Protect and Treat the student athletes of MPISD.”

Jamie Denman has a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Lutheran University, a Masters from The University of West Alabama and has three years' experience on the Athletic Training Staff. Justin Hargrove is a graduate of Howard Payne University and has 18 years’ experience with 13 of those here at MPISD.

Athletic Trainers are trained medical professionals who undergo professional training education which uses a competency-based approach in both the classroom and clinical settings. Using a medical-based education model, athletic training students are educated to provide comprehensive patient care in five domains of clinical practice: prevention; clinical evaluation and diagnosis; immediate and emergency care; treatment and rehabilitation; and organization and professional health and well-being.

The educational requirements for a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education-accredited program include acquisition of knowledge, skills and clinical abilities along with a broad scope of foundational behaviors of professional practice. Students must receive formal instruction in the following specific subject matter areas identified in the Competencies: Evidence-based practice, Prevention and health promotion, Clinical examination and diagnosis, Acute care of injury and illness, Therapeutic interventions, Psychosocial strategies and referral, Health care administration, Professional development and responsibility.

“Mt. Pleasant ISD is privileged to have Athletic Trainers with the credentials Justin and Jamie bring to our athletic program,” Saxton concluded.